Root Canal FAQs

A: A root canal is a dental procedure performed to repair a tooth that is badly decayed or infected. The nerve and pulp are removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed.

A root canal is the most commonly performed endodontic procedure. It treats problems within a tooth’s soft core, also known as the dental pulp. The dental pulp contains blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue that provide nutrients to the tooth as it grows. The pulp extends from the top of the tooth all the way down to the end of the root. Sometimes, the pulp can become infected and, as a result, the nerve and surrounding tissue must be removed from the tooth through the root canal procedure.

Q: How does the pulp become damaged?

A: The pulp is most commonly damaged by an untreated cavity that allows bacteria to eat through the enamel of the tooth and, eventually, infect the pulp. The pulp can also be damaged by trauma that cuts off the tooth’s blood supply, causing the pulp tissue to die. Although the pulp is no longer needed to supply fully developed teeth with nutrients, it will gradually decay if left damaged within the tooth.

Q: What are the symptoms of damaged pulp?

A: Patients with damaged pulp may experience:

Severe toothache

Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures

Discoloration

Swelling

Tenderness

Recurring pimple on the gums

If left untreated, an infection may build up within the root tip and form an abscess that can damage the bone around the teeth, causing pain and the potential for permanent damage. Prompt treatment to help relieve symptoms and prevent permanent damage is recommended.

Q: How is a root canal performed?

A: A root canal is usually performed in a series of dental-office visits, first to remove the diseased pulp, and then to clean and seal the tooth to prevent further damage.

During the first office visit, the dentist will make an opening in the tooth leading into the pulp chamber, and remove the damaged pulp. The canals of the root are cleaned and shaped to prepare them for a filling material. A temporary filling will be placed in the opening to protect the tooth between appointments. The dentist may also prescribe medication to control infection and promote healing.

At the next appointment, the temporary filling will be removed, and the pulp chamber and root canals thoroughly cleaned and filled. The pulp chamber is usually filled with a biocompatible, rubber-like material called gutta-percha, which is cemented to the tooth with a sealer paste. The final step of the root canal procedure is to restore the tooth with a crown, post or other restorative material.

Q: Is the root canal procedure painful?

A: Although many patients think of root canals as being painful and uncomfortable, that is usually not the case. Local anesthesia is used to numb the affected area, although it may not be needed because the nerve tissue is dead. However, anesthesia often helps patients relax.

Q: How successful are root canals?

A: Root canal is considered a highly successful treatment, with most patients experiencing complete relief from their symptoms. A crown or filling can usually help repair the appearance of the treated tooth so that other people will not even realize that a root canal was performed. The results of a root canal procedure can be permanent, as long as the patient practices healthy oral hygiene and visits the dentist on a regular basis.

Q: Are there any risks or complications associated with root canals?

A: Although most root canal procedures are performed successfully with no complications, there is always a risk that the treated tooth will again become infected, especially if it has been subjected to multiple root canals. There is also a small risk of damaging the tooth during the procedure, although this rarely occurs.